Peach Blossom Divine Medical God Chapter 1991 - 1968: Into the Deep Mountains

"Certainly." The price had escalated significantly, causing him to abandon further avarice, believing that Liu Ruyan had reached her absolute limit. Pushing any further would be imprudent. Thus, he gave his assent.

"Hehe... I truly didn’t anticipate you to be quite so greedy, little brother," Liu Ruyan chuckled as Chen Yang agreed.

Chen Yang offered no reply to her jibe, instead directly inquiring, "How will the Spirit Stones be disbursed? And when shall we journey to the mountain?"

"Here are two hundred Spirit Stones. It's all I brought today. The remainder will be yours once the task is accomplished," Liu Ruyan stated, presenting two hundred Spirit Stones to Chen Yang.

Chen Yang accepted them and verified the count; it was accurate.

"It would be best to depart immediately, if you are available now," Liu Ruyan pressed on.

"Then let us set out at once."

Chen Yang secured the Spirit Stones within his pouch.

Without further words, the two left the clinic in unison, venturing into the depths of the mountains.

The mountains at night presented far greater perils than during the day. This was because nocturnal predators emerged to hunt. For any ordinary person traversing this wilderness after dark, survival would be a grave uncertainty.

However, for two cultivators at the Spirit Gathering Realm, such dangers held no sway. Encountering wolves, tigers, or leopards proved futile; a mere glance or a subtle projection of their cultivator's aura was enough to send the beasts scattering in fear.

While beasts might lack human intellect, their instincts are sharp, enabling them to recognize threats and avoid provocation when faced with beings of such caliber.

As they advanced into the mountain, Chen Yang discreetly observed Liu Ruyan’s form on several occasions. This scrutiny was not born of attraction but a focused effort to determine if she was, in fact, the Hierarch of the Five Poisons Cult he had encountered the previous day. Their offensive techniques bore striking resemblances, though concrete proof remained elusive.

Despite his observations, he discerned no definitive confirmation. The disparity between the masked figure and the Liu Ruyan of today was still palpable.

"Little brother, what has captured your gaze?" Noticing Chen Yang’s attention, Liu Ruyan playfully inquired, her tone laced with seduction.

"Nothing in particular, just enjoying the journey," Chen Yang replied dismissively, waving a hand and continuing their trek deeper into the mountains.

"Haha."

Liu Ruyan let out a soft laugh, offering no further comment, yet a knowing smile played upon her lips.

Both being cultivators at the Spirit Gathering Realm, their pace was unhurried yet swift. In just over an hour, perhaps nearing two, they reached a remote section deep within the mountain range.

In this secluded area, the presence of wildlife drastically diminished. It could be said that it was almost nonexistent. This was due to the proximity of a formidable spiritual beast!

A monkey.

The very same creature that had nearly claimed Liu Ruyan’s life during her prior visit.

"Where is the item you seek?" Upon reaching the familiar location, Chen Yang halted and posed the question to Liu Ruyan.

As they arrived, the smile vanished from Liu Ruyan’s face, replaced by an expression of profound seriousness.

"The object of my pursuit does not grow in environs such as these; we must venture further," Liu Ruyan declared.

"Further?" Chen Yang expressed surprise.

Considering the presence of Spirit Gathering Realm spiritual beasts in the vicinity, venturing deeper could invite unforeseen and perilous encounters.

"Indeed." Liu Ruyan affirmed with a nod.

A sense of unease began to creep into Chen Yang. However, having already accepted the Spirit Stones and reached this remote locale, retreating was no longer a viable option. He could only concur.

Just as he readied himself to proceed deeper, Liu Ruyan gestured for him to hold.

"There is no need to venture further just yet; there is a matter we must address first," Liu Ruyan announced.

"And what might that be?"

"It concerns retribution, naturally." Liu Ruyan responded with calm finality.

Her words immediately brought the monkey to Chen Yang’s mind.

"Follow me." Liu Ruyan turned and moved purposefully in a specific direction.

Chen Yang, with nothing further to add, followed in her wake.

The two proceeded abreast through the woods for several minutes, eventually arriving at a clearing characterized by numerous towering trees.

The arboreal giants here stood exceptionally tall and were densely packed, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of a scene from a fantasy epic. Following their continued progression into this dense forest, Liu Ruyan paused near a small, serene pool.

The pool was shallow, its surface shimmering enchantingly under the moonlight. A few small fish could even be seen gliding through the tranquil waters, completing a picture of idyllic beauty.

"Come out!"

Just as Chen Yang pondered why Liu Ruyan remained stationary, she suddenly lifted her head and issued a powerful command!

An potent aura instantly surged forth, dramatically altering her entire demeanor. Her previous enchanting softness evaporated, supplanted by an aura of commanding dominance!

Chen Yang turned his gaze towards the source of the sound and observed a rudimentary treehouse perched precariously atop a colossal tree adjacent to the pool. Although its construction was difficult to discern, the structure appeared substantial.

This, he realized, was the monkey’s domain.

Roar!!

An enraged roar soon reverberated through the air.

Moments later, a massive, dark silhouette materialized at the entrance of the treehouse.

Thud!!

With astonishing agility, the monkey descended from its perch, landing with surprising stability upon the ground. The immense force of its landing was evident, carving a deep crater into the earth.